Sociocultural Factors Affecting Elderly Abuse

In traditional societies the elderly enjoyed great power and social status. But their situation along with that of the family has changed dramatically in today''s urbanized and industrialized society، and this has created many problems for them. The substantial and continuous decline in mortality has increased the elderly population which in return has made them vulnerable to different types of abuses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sociocultural factors affecting elderly abuse in Isfahan، Iran. This research employed the survey method and the technique of data collection was a questionnaire. Research population consisted of all the elderly aged 60 years and above who were abused or mistreated and had contacted Isfahan''s legal medical authorities. The sample included 62 such individuals. The research instrument had face validity and Cronbach''s alpha (reliability) was 0. 78. Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients were used. Physical abuse was at a minimum and economic and psychological abuses were more prevalent. There was a significant relation between elderly abuse and education (f = 3. 52، P = 0. 005)، person who resided with the elderly (f = 4. 42، P = 0. 002)، and socioeconomic status (r = 0. 592، P < 0. 001). Physical abuse of the elderly in Isfahan was relatively low but using their property without their permission and psychological abuse was more frequent. Concerted efforts should be exerted to prevent any kind of abuse.